Custom thermoplastic versus factory-made thumb orthoses for boutonniere deformity

Boutonniere Deformity Effectiveness of Thermoplastic and Fabricated Orthoses

Not applicable Interventional Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education · NCT06267469

This test will see if a custom thermoplastic thumb orthosis helps women aged 18–65 with rheumatoid arthritis-related boutonniere deformity improve hand strength, dexterity, and pain compared with factory-made orthoses.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorJózef Piłsudski University of Physical Education Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06267469 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

About 60 participants (approximately 30 using custom thermoplastic orthoses and 30 using factory-made orthoses) will be enrolled to compare outcomes. Hand grip and pincer strength will be measured with a dynamometer, and dexterity and pain scores will be recorded with and without the orthosis at baseline and at scheduled follow-ups. The protocol focuses on female patients aged 18–65 with rheumatoid arthritis and type I or II boutonniere thumb deformity meeting the study timing restrictions for prior surgery and injections. The primary comparisons are change in dexterity, whole-hand and pincer grip strength, and pain between the two orthosis groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Women aged 18–65 with rheumatoid arthritis and a diagnosed type I or II boutonniere thumb deformity who consent and meet the required timing since surgery/injections are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Men, people with other thumb deformities, those less than one year after hand surgery, within six months of a thumb injection, or who change treatment during the study are excluded and unlikely to gain from this comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the custom thermoplastic orthosis could improve grip and pinch strength, dexterity, and reduce pain more than factory-made orthoses.

How similar studies have performed: Custom thermoplastic splints are commonly used for hand deformities and small case series suggest benefit, but high-quality comparative data specific to rheumatoid boutonniere thumb deformity are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosed with RA
* diagnosed thumb deformity: butonier finger, type I or II
* female
* age 18 - 65 years
* patient's consent to the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* other deformity of the thumb
* less than 1 year since surgical intervention in the hand
* less than 6 months since delivery injections within the thumb
* change in treatment during the study and 3 months before the study

Where this trial is running

Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Orthotic DevicesBoutonniere deformitythermoplastic orthosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.